Young Family Weekend in Toronto

There are almost unlimited possibilities for kids and young families in Toronto. The city provides something for everybody, and planning a family outing couldn’t be easier. Check out some of the useful tips for experiencing an unforgettable weekend with your loved ones in the magnificent city of Toronto.

Day 1 – Science is not Boring!

Ontario Science Centre

Why not start your day off with your family at the Ontario Science Centre? Learning about science can be great fun here, and the over 800 interactive exhibits in ten halls will provide your kids with something to contemplate for quite a while (you could easily spend the whole day here!). Be fascinated by optical illusions and learning about lasers or space exploration technology, or find out what your body can do by testing your reflexes, heart rate, or balance abilities. The exhibits that teach kids (an adults) about the natural world are always among the exhibition highlights. Learn how honey is made or enjoy a quick walk through a simulated rainforest environment.

Details

(416) 696-3127www.ontariosciencecentre.caAdmission
$14 adults
$10 seniors and children 13–17
$8 children 5–12
free for children 4 and underOperating HoursOpen daily 10:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M.
(open until 6:00 P.M. in the summer)

Toronto Zoo

Afterward, you may want to supplement your kids’ newly gained knowledge with a real life encounter with the natural world, and the best place to do that is certainly the Toronto Zoo! Just half an hour’s drive from the Ontario Science Centre, and you’ll find yourself already at the zoo at Rouge Park. You can enjoy more than 5,000 animals inhabiting 700 acres of the zoo. The highlights of the zoo include continent pavilions, where animals from one continent share exhibits (of course, they are carefully chosen so that they get along) and the African Savanna Project, a recreation of Kesho National Park. Another lure for visitors is the largest indoor gorilla exhibit in North America, which attempts to re-create rainforest conditions.

Details

(416) 392-5900www.torontozoo.com
Meadowvale Rd. (north of Hwy. 401 and Sheppard Ave)Admission
$19 for adults
$11 for children 4–12
free for children 3 and underOperating Hours
Open daily 9:00 A.M.-7:00 P.M. in the summer
9:00 A.M.-6:00 P.M. in the spring and fall
9:30 A.M.-4:30 P.M. in the winter

Day 2 – Athletes hit the city!

Hockey Hall of Fame

If your family loves hockey, starting your day off at the Hockey Hall of Fame can’t be a mistake. You’ll love seeing the exhibits full of the most famous jerseys and sticks from around the world or seeing the original Stanley Cup in person. The sights also include a replica of the Montreal Canadiens locker room. Even non-hockey fans will find lots to do: plenty of interactive games will keep you entertained. Try shooting the puck at targets or suit up and play against Gretzky in a video!

Details

(416) 360-7765www.hhof.com
In BCE Place 30 Yonge StAdmission
$12 for adults
$8 for children 4–18
free for children 3 and underOperating Hours
Open Monday–Saturday 9:30 A.M.-6:00 P.M.
Sunday 10:00 A.M.-6:00 P.M.
(Hours are slightly shorter in the winter.)

Harbourfront Centre

When you’ve had your fill of exploring hockey history, take a ten-minute drive down to the lake to the Harbourfront. The complex is one of Toronto’s main attractions, and you can surely spend the rest of the day here. It’s a huge playground in the middle of downtown. Kids can enjoy craft classes and watch artists create their works. You can rent bikes and roller-blades, play football, or just sit down and enjoy a picnic lunch. For water lovers, it’s even possible to rent a kayak or get a kayaking lesson.